U.S. congratulates Northern Ireland´s power-sharing gov´t

Source: Xinhuanet | 05-09-2007 11:18

WASHINGTON, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The United States has congratulated Northern Ireland's power-sharing government that was sworn in on Tuesday and gave British Prime Minister Tony Blair credit for the agreement.

"It is an important moment. All of the parties involved in this process over the years deserve congratulations," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said.

"Prime Minister Blair has worked tirelessly on this effort over many years and certainly he deserves much credit for the fact that we've gotten to this point," McCormack said.

Northern Ireland power sharing begins. Full Story >>

Ministers of Northern Ireland's rival parties were sworn in to office Tuesday, marking the restoration of a power-sharing government in the previously conflict-ravaged province.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern were present to witness the revival of the 108-seat Northern Ireland Assembly, along with dignitaries from the United States and some European countries.

Editor:Du Xiaodan